2026 RAM Dakota: The RAM brand seems best known for making pickup trucks. However, one item has been missing from the truckmaker’s menu for over a decade. After Ram ditched the Dakota name in 2011, its lineup no longer includes a midsize truck.
Updates (August 25, 2025): We’ve updated the latest details on the 2026 Ram Dakota and Nightfall, now built on the STLA Large platform. This mid-size pickup is expected to range from $35,000 to $60,000.
That has finally changed as Ram has confirmed it will be returning to the segment. We think the Dakota name will likely be revived, but nothing has been officially announced yet.
When Ram discontinued the Dakota, it allowed existing competitors like the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma to clog the drain. Ram’s return to the midsize segment should allow it to claw back some of those lost sales, though luring loyal pickup customers away from their preferred trucks is easier said than done.
However, Ram’s entry into the midsize class could attract new customers who don’t want to pay the premium for the brand’s half-ton models. In addition to the lower price point, the smaller size of a midsize pickup is another incentive for new customers.
2026 RAM Dakota Review
A new mid-size Ram, Dakota, could lower the brand’s entry price and erode sales from competitors like the Chevy Colorado and Toyota Tacoma.
The Ram brand is best known for creating pickup trucks like Burger King for making Whoppers. For more than ten years, however, one thing has been missing from the truckmaker’s menu. Ram dropped the Dakota nameplate in 2011, leaving its lineup without a mid-size truck. That will finally change, though, because Ram said it would return to the section. We think it’s likely that the Dakota name will come back, although there hasn’t been an official announcement yet.
When Ram stopped making the Dakota, it let other trucks like the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma fill the gap. Ram’s return to the mid-size market should help it regain some of those lost sales, but getting devoted pickup consumers to switch to a different truck is more said than done. Still, Ram’s mid-size entry could bring in new buyers who don’t want to spend extra for the brand’s half-ton versions. A smaller mid-size pickup is another reason for new customers to buy one, along with the reduced price.
The 2026 RAM Dakota is a type of pickup truck that has been much-awaited and has recently become a hot topic of conversation. In the last few years alone, the mid-range pickup truck segment has entered a competitive phase with impressive choices such as the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Toyota Tacoma.
This is where the presence of RAM has also become a public spotlight on whether the presence of the 2026 RAM Dakota can be the answer and compete with very tight competitors in the Automotive world. It may be the definite choice if the 2026 RAM Dakota can provide engine power and a reliable, powerful, and efficient powertrain.
In 2026, the RAM Dakota will be presented with the latest specifications, a more premium interior, and a more aggressive exterior design, which will undoubtedly be attractive. When RAM introduces the Dakota, which is a smaller option than its larger RAM 1500 sibling, this will be a magnet for increasing sales of the RAM Dakota.
Even though the Dakota is slightly smaller than the 1500 truck, it retains all the key features of its larger sibling, making it ideal for a wider audience, including younger buyers. We believe the 2026 Ram Dakota can still offer the same bold styling as its predecessor, including new exterior colors, large wheels on top trims, LED headlights, and more.
When rumors of the Ram Dakota began circulating, drivers hoped to see a new compact truck to take on the Ford Maverick. However, Stellantis has bigger targets in mind.
Instead, the automaker is thinking bigger. The new Dakota will be a midsize truck to compete with the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado and Nissan Frontier.
The truck segment is a bit more crowded than the Maverick. Right now, the Hyundai Santa Cruz only slightly challenges the Maverick.
Many were excited about the compact Ram Rampage when it first launched in South America. This truck was spotted in America, giving us hope that the smaller truck will be available there.
Unfortunately, that’s not in the cards. According to Motor Trend, Ram CEO Tim Kunikis said that now that the Ram Classic is out of production, it’s a good time to dive into the smaller truck segment.
The midsize truck market is growing at a higher rate than compact trucks. Plus, Kunikis explained that the brand lacks an affordable entry-level truck. An affordable midsize option would fill that gap.
The STLA platform can support a range of midsize trucks with various engine options, including gasoline, hybrid, PHEV, and EEV. New rumors suggest Stellantis will build the new midsize truck at its Belvidere, Illinois, assembly plant.
2026 Dakota
This time, we will discuss a vehicle that is considered a complement to Compac and Medium Trucks. However, we are unsure about the amount the 2026 Dakota RAM will bring to the next-generation model.
Based on the information we got from Motor Trend, we have an overview of a pickup with a capacity smaller than the Ram 150,0, which many fans have been waiting for. The Ram 1500h was developed with the Unibody Truck concept and can compete with the current best-selling Ford Maverick. We assume the RAM Dakota 2026 might be larger to help bridge the gap between true compacts and mainstream mid-sizers.
It is important to note that RAM’s main competitors almost offer a broader pickup portfolio, which can increase targeted market share and grow overall. So, we think this will be a critical moment for RAM to continue to be proactive in developing a smaller, more agile, more efficient, and more affordable truck than the current 1500 truck.
What We Think
Also on the way: the Ram 1500 Ramcharger long-range pickup, which uses a gas engine as a generator to give the plug-in hybrid electric power a more extended range. Feuell said it will go on sale in mid-2025, a few months after the REV. The brand is seeing increased interest in the Ramcharger as more information about the technology emerges. It’s also sparking more talk about long-range hybrids, or E-Revs, with companies like Ford and Volkswagen considering them.
The Ramcharger is designed to appeal to buyers of conventional trucks. It gives them the towing and payload power they need while also giving them a taste of the electric vehicle experience. Ram is already collecting names of people interested in the truck, Feuell said.
2026 RAM Dakota Redesign
Regarding the recent redesign information that we got from online media Autoevolution, mentioning the 2026 Dakota Redesign, which was specially designed by digital car content creators such as Halo Oto on their YouTube channel, gives us an idea of the significant design changes, of course, with the virtual CGI concept, which can be seen in the image below.
Apart from that, competition in the Truck market cannot be denied. Ford successfully held the record for 47 consecutive years when its F-Series became the best-selling pickup truck in America. Overall, Ford sells more full-size, light, and pickup trucks.
However, when it comes to mid-pickup trucks, it becomes clearer that Toyota’s Tacoma, even after a year of generational change, remains in control from afar. On the other hand, the unibody pickup truck is back in North America. US sales were heavily dominated by the pocket-sized Ford Maverick, which sold almost three times as many units as its only direct competitor, the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Therefore, we see many opportunities for GM or Stellantis to focus on production and innovation in the Pickup Truck category.
2026 RAM Dakota Report
The Trump government has put a 25 percent tax on cars from other countries. Starting May 5, 2025, more tariffs will be imposed on parts like engines and transmissions. This is causing a lot of trouble for car companies right now.
Stellantis, the corporation that owns Ram, was already having a hard time because of bad sales and a change in leadership. Tim Kuniskis is back as CEO of Ram, which seems to strengthen the company’s leadership. He also recently revealed a lot of new products that would be coming out soon. But since Ram’s mid-size vehicle won’t start being made for another two years, a lot could happen in that time.
2026 Ram Dakota Nightfall Concept
For more than ten years, truck aficionados in North America have been asking for the Dakota nameplate to return. While we wait here, Ram has decided to bring back the famous badge for the South American market. The 2026 Ram Dakota Nightfall Concept is a rugged, bold look at a brand-new midsize pickup that will soon be available in Brazilian showrooms. It’s not at all like the old Dakota you remember.
Ram isn’t holding back when it comes to appearance. A bold R-A-M grille takes up most of the front end, and a continuous LED light strip runs across the truck’s width. The headlights are all LED, and the hood has a central scoop lit up by three amber marker lights, a tribute to Ram’s toughest pickups.
The Nightfall Concept is very ready for off-road driving. The front has a winch, tow hooks, a skid plate, Fox® high-performance suspension, and massive 33-inch off-road tires on 18-inch beadlock-capable alloy wheels. Thanks to the bronze accents, large black fender flares, and side steps, it has a strong look. The high-clearance bumpers are made to take a beating.
The Dakota Nightfall has a distinctive Rambar with long-range LED lamps on the back and a full-size spare tire installed in the bed. The appearance is finished with LED taillights, tow hooks on the back bumper, and a prominent RAM tailgate symbol. The last touches are a “Nightfall” emblem on the tailgate and a “Turbo” badge on the hood.
Ram painted the idea uniquely by painting it with special exceptionalities representing strength and ability. The body panels are wrinkled and angled, giving the car a gritty look. The trim elements make it evident that this is not simply another rebadged Fiat but a Ram through and through.
The 2026 Ram Dakota will be available for sale in Brazil and other South American markets next year. Ram hasn’t verified every aspect yet, but the idea clarifies that this midsize truck will be geared at people who desire a good mix of business, luxury, and off-road prowess.
This vehicle won’t be available in the US, at least not in this shape, which is too bad for American buyers. Instead, we’ll have to wait until 2027 for a midsize pickup for the US028 model year made in the USUS andSthe 028American market. The Dakota Nightfall, on the other hand, shows that Ram still knows how to make a standout midsize truck.
2026 RAM Dakota Off-Road Features
We stand out as a midsize truck with a Rebel trim comparable to the Ram 1500. This trim comes with the most efficient off-road features, including large 33-inch off-road tires, a lockable rear axle, and a sporty performance hood.
Additional alternatives may include 360-degree trailers featuring digital camera views and advanced security features. The new Dakota will undoubtedly be able to take rough terrain in stride, and although it hasn’t been released yet, mid-size truck fans can expect impressive off-road capabilities.
2026 RAM Dakota Interior
Ram can also change the interior, featuring seats made from premium cloth and vinyl, making it easier to use on the trail. Additional features of the 2026 RAM Dakota include hill descent/climb control, a durable synthetic leather dashboard, and safety systems like forward collision warning.
Although Ram is one of the pickup truck brands that perfects its interior, most of its interior offerings are hard to find fault with.
The Dakota 2026 can also feature a refined interior that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Ram can opt for an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen on the base trim, offering a larger 12-inch tablet-style touchscreen on higher trims.
While the base variant can also get standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Ram can include a better audio system with ten speakers and an optional premium variant with 19 speakers.
- 7 or 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- 8 or 18-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 8.4 or 12-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 10-speaker audio system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
2026 RAM Dakota Exterior
On the outside of the 2026 RAM Dakota, we expect RAM to present aggressive and bold styling. A little smaller and more comfort-oriented, this car will undoubtedly meet the standards of traditional truck drivers. The pickup will feature slightly smaller dimensions while retaining its unique grille and sleek headlights.
The 2026 RAM Dakota Rabel trim can compete with the Toyota TRD package and Trailhunter trim in all terrains, especially Off-Road. We expect the Ram Dakota Rebel trim to include a suspension lift, electronic locking rear differential, all-terrain tires, etc.
Additionally, one—and two-row cabin layouts are expected, although the base model will undoubtedly be fundamental, considering its attractive price speculation. Higher trim levels are expected to provide a more luxurious interior with luxurious materials, innovative technology, and a more powerful powertrain.
Additional packages may include comfort, trailer towing, premium sound, and utility upgrades. A wide choice of exterior finishes and colors is also expected.
2026 RAM Dakota Engine
As for engines, Ram is being a bit more cautious. The official statement is: “The new midsize truck is planned to take full advantage of our multi-energy strategy (ICE, PHEV and BEV).” However, that doesn’t mean all three engine types will be available. If we had to guess, an electric option is the least likely.
RAM officials have downgraded its full-size EV model, with the Ram 1500 REV delayed in favor of the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger. While the new midsize truck may get a PHEV model, a traditional gas engine is a definite possibility.
Will it use a turbocharged four-cylinder like many competitors, or will Ram find a way to fit a Hurricane six-cylinder or, dare we say, a Hemi V-8 into its new truck? That decision remains to be seen.
Platform
There were hints that the unibody Ram Rampage, available in Brazil, could be the DakotUSs replacement in the US, but that doesn’t seem very likely. Ram’s next mid-size truck will likely have a body-on-frame construction and will presumably be built on the modular STLA Frame platform. The latter allows wheelbases to range from 123.7 to 145.3 inches long. And what do you know? That range is in line with other mid-size trucks.
Powertrain
Ram has been a little secretive about powertrains. The official word is, “The new mid-size truck is planned to take full advantage of our multi-energy strategy (ICE, PHEV, and BEV).” But that doesn’t guarantee that all three types of powertrains will be available. We think that the electric alternative is the least likely.
Ram has already put its full-size electric vehicle model on the back burner, and the Ram 1500 REV’s manufacturing has been pushed back in favor of the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger. The new mid-size car will likely include a PHEV option, but a gas engine is a sure thing.
Will it have a turbo four like many other trucks, or will Ram find a way to fit a Hurricane six-cylinder or a Hemi V-8 into its new truck? That’s still up in the air.
2026 RAM Dakota Payload
Meanwhile, more than 30,000 people raised their hands for the Ram 1500 REV, Stellantis’ full-size electric pickup truck.
Ram was in pre-production on the REV months before the production model’s launch. The original plan was to deliver a few units to dealers this year, but that plan has been pushed back a few months, and deliveries are now scheduled for the first half of 2025, Ram brand CEO Chris Feuell said.
Feuell said the program is on track. The delay is necessary to ensure quality, given that this is a new truck on the new STLA Frame platform. The order book has not yet been opened.
The REV is one of Stellantis’s first new electric vehicles, following the Dodge Charger Daytona sports car and the Jeep Wagoneer S midsize electric SUV, both of which use the STLA Big platform.
2026 RAM Dakota Platform
Using the STLA Large platform, which allows for all types of powertrains, not just EEVs, as shown above, the 2026 RAM Dakota can be designed to meet or exceed the Maverick’s levels of performance and efficiency. Powertrains range from the Giulia’s 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder to a hybrid, PHEV, or even full-battery electric vehicles that offer front, rear, or all-wheel drive with output levels ranging from mild to wild.
However, it’s still possible that a stronger business case will be made to establish the 2026 RAM Dakota as a global player to compete directly with the world’s two best-selling pickup trucks: the Toyota Tacoma/Hilux and the Ford Ranger. In this scenario, the Dakota would need to be slightly larger and built on the STLA Frame architecture, supporting varying degrees of electrification.
The South American Ram Rampage Dakota
While there have been hints that the unibody Ram Rampage—sold in Brazil—could be the successor to the Dakota in the United States, that seems unlikely. Ram will almost certainly give its new midsize truck a body-on-frame design, likely based on the modular STLA Frame platform. The latter allows for wheelbases between 123.7 and 145.3 inches. And you know what? That’s in line with other midsize trucks.
2026 RAM Dakota Colors
As far as we know, the 2026 RAM Dakota will also present several color choices, including:
- Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat.
- Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat.
- Billet Silver Metallic Clear-Coat.
- Patriot Blue Pearl-Coat.
- Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat.
- Delmonico Red Pearl Coat.
- Flame Red Clear-Coat.
- Bright White Clear-Coat.
Competitor
As we mentioned, Ram’s new midsize truck will compete with the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma. The Jeep Gladiator is another body-on-frame competitor. Meanwhile, there are also a few unibody alternatives, such as the Honda Ridgeline, compact Ford Maverick, and Hyundai Santa Cruz. There are currently no mainstream electric midsize trucks; the Rivian R1T is perhaps the closest EV in size, but it starts at around $72,000.
2026 RAM Dakota Price
Ram previously indicated that it would start making its new mid-size truck in 2027, but it’s unclear if that schedule is still in place. The Belvidere, Illinois, plant, which has been closed since 2023, is said to be the production site.
We can’t say for sure how much costs will go up between now and when the truck goes on sale, but based on what other trucks are selling for right now, we think Ram’s mid-size pickup will cost between $35,000 and $60,000.
The second number could be for a high-performance off-road version, but that might not come out until a year or two after the main versions come out.
READ NEXT: 2024 RAM Dakota: New First Impressions Dakota Midsize Pickup Review
2026 RAM Dakota Release Date
So far, there has been no official information regarding the 2026 Dakota RAM release schedule. However, we recommend saving the deposit for now, as the truck is expected to hit the roads in 2026.
Verdict
Feuell said the truck’s attributes must deliver performance and affordability. North America is a key market, but going for volume means the car will also be offered globally. He said it won’t be a niche vehicle with which Ram wants to win. The car will be provided with a choice of engines. The STLA platform is designed to give the brand with internal combustion, hybrid and all-electric powertrains.
The name Dakota is under consideration, but nothing is finalized yet. It may be a while before we see the concept, but we should have more details in 2025, Feuell said.
The long-awaited return of the Ram brand’s mid-pickup truck is getting closer to reality, and for a good reason: RAM’s main competitors all offer bropickup portfolios. So, it is very appropriate for RAM to increase its market share by making a smaller, more agile, more efficient, and more affordable truck than the current 1500 truck.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments regarding the 2026 RAM Dakota. Bookmark our website for more RAM Dakota news and exciting RAM information coverage around the clock. Hopefully, the information presented will be helpful to you. Happy, Wonderful day!
